Your air conditioning does a lot of heavy lifting through summer months. For those units that have an AC, you do have a few extra responsibilities to ensure your unit continues to set that thermostat low on those cooking hot days. Lets have a look at what you should do to prevent any unnecessary headaches.
- Clear the Space Around Your Air Conditioning Unit
- Clean the Outside of Your Air Conditioning Unit
- Cover Your Air Conditioning Unit
- Update Your Thermostat Setting
- Have Your AC System Checked Regularly by a Professional
- Clear the space around your air conditioning unit
Most Canadians will see a whole bunch of debris build up in their yards when Fall hits, it’s important to get ready now, before the cold weather arrives.
Remove any potential blockages (e.g., garden and landscaping elements, fallen leaves and debris) from within 12 inches of space around your air conditioner.
- Clean the outside of your air conditioning unit
Central air conditioning systems are made up of several components that, together, cool your home. This includes the outside unit, whose coils, fans and other moving parts help to remove heat from inside your dwelling. But dirt and debris can clog up these inner workings, making them run less efficiently. Failure to keep these free and clear can be a big repair bill, yikes!
First, shut off the main power to the air conditioner (either through an outdoor on/off switch or via your electrical box located inside your home). Then, using a garden hose on a low-pressure setting, rinse the metal housing, vents and visible components of your air conditioning unit, spraying in the opposite direction of airflow. Use ONLY “low-pressure” to prevent damage or bend any of the machine’s coils.
- Cover your air conditioning unit
Now that your AC unit is free of debris and dirt, keep it that way!
Air conditioner covers are a practical solution to keep garden debris, ice, and snow, from affecting your AC unit during winter months. Hardware and home improvement stores sell a variety of different covers to suit most AC makes and models, but in a pinch, a waterproof tarp will do.
Choose a waterproof cover that fits your AC unit. Fasten it snuggly near the bottom of the unit but be sure to leave a little space at the bottom, so any moisture that gets in can work its way out. If the cover doesn’t come with a fastening strap, use a bungee cord or nylon rope.
- Change your thermostat setting
When temperatures start to drop, it’s time to switch off or turn down the AC.
Setting it to the desired temperature. Then, once you’re acclimated to the winter cold, lower the temperature in your home even further, moving by degrees until you hit an acceptable temperature for the winter ahead.
- Have your AC system checked regularly by a professional
Just like any machine your home’s cooling system will run most efficiently and effectively when it’s clean and set up properly. While some upkeep can be done by you, please do NOT take on anything that is best left to a licensed HVAC technician when it comes time to inspect and clean the pipes, wiring, coils and other vital parts that keep your AC running problem-free.